Police in Jianagar, Pirojpur recovered 75 barrels of stolen bitumen that had been left abandoned inside a house in Seutibaria village. The operation was conducted on Tuesday evening, April 21, under the leadership of Sub-Inspector Ismail Hossain. The barrels were found inside the home of Ibadul Kabir Badol Hawlader and taken into police custody. According to police, the bitumen had been lying there for about a month.

House owner Badol Hawlader stated that he lives in Dhaka and was unaware of who had left the bitumen on his property. Earlier, on April 4, police had recovered 59 barrels of stolen bitumen from a work site linked to contractor Shakil Mahmud Palash Hawlader, Badol’s relative. Locals suspect the newly recovered barrels may also belong to Palash, though he denied any involvement, claiming he was being framed by rivals.

Sub-Inspector Saiduzzaman confirmed that several individuals have contacted police claiming ownership of the bitumen. Authorities said the barrels will be handed over through court once valid ownership documents are verified. Several related bitumen theft cases have recently been filed in nearby districts.